There is something truly magical about bite-sized breakfast treats that combine ease, flavor, and fun, and that is exactly what the Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe delivers. These golden, crisp-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside morsels make breakfast feel like a special occasion, whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself. Using an air fryer makes the process incredibly quick while creating a delightful texture that is hard to beat. If you’re searching for a simple yet impressive breakfast fix, this recipe will soon become your go-to morning favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—whether it’s enhancing flavor, improving texture, or adding a touch of wholesome goodness—making the overall dish irresistible.
- Thick-cut brioche or Texas toast (4 slices, cut into 1-inch cubes): The perfect bread choice for absorbing the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (2): Create the rich custard that binds everything together and adds protein.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Lightens the custard and ensures a tender inside.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the mixture with a warm, comforting flavor that everyone loves.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings that classic French toast spice and a fragrant aroma.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the taste.
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Keeps the bites from sticking and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries: Personalize your bites to make them extra special and bursting with flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the French toast bites cook evenly and develop a perfect golden-brown exterior right from the start.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard is what transforms regular bread cubes into irresistibly tender French toast bites.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add your bread cubes into the custard mix and gently toss to coat. Let the bread soak for about 1 to 2 minutes; this step is key to allowing the bread to absorb the flavors without becoming soggy, ensuring that each bite is moist but not mushy.
Step 4: Grease the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. This simple step prevents sticking and helps achieve that coveted crispy, golden finish on every bite.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the soaked bread cubes in a single layer inside the basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking. Air fry the bites for about 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become beautifully crisp and golden.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once done, serve the French toast bites warm, ideally topped with some powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries to add that extra pop of sweetness and color.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right after air frying. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also add freshness and a beautiful visual appeal. A drizzle of warm maple syrup completes the experience perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these French toast bites with classic breakfast sides such as crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a well-rounded morning feast. Alternatively, fresh fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bites in small bowls with individual ramekins of dipping sauces like Nutella, honey, or flavored yogurt. You can also thread the bites onto skewers for a playful French toast kabob that’s perfect for brunch gatherings or kids’ meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover French toast bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for an excellent quick breakfast or snack option.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick together, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to a month, ready to be reheated whenever you need a fast treat.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe is in the air fryer itself at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This method revives their crispiness. Alternatively, a conventional oven or toaster oven works well, but avoid microwaving as it can lead to a soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While thick-cut brioche or Texas toast works best for texture and flavor, you can experiment with challah, white sandwich bread, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best soaking.
Is it necessary to soak the bread cubes for 1–2 minutes?
Yes, soaking allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture properly. Soaking less might result in dry bites, while soaking too long can make them soggy, so timing is key to perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk and use a dairy-free cooking spray. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How do I avoid the bread cubes sticking to the air fryer basket?
Greasing the basket well before adding the soaked bread cubes is essential. You can also line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers to make cleanup easier and stop sticking.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, feel free to toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts after soaking the bread cubes but before air frying. This will add a wonderful texture and flavor dimension to the Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten your mornings with a breakfast that feels both cozy and effortlessly fun, this Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe is a must-try. It’s a straightforward way to bring the joy of classic French toast into bite-sized form with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. So grab your air fryer and your favorite toppings, and get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again!
Print
Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer French Toast Bites featuring crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside brioche cubes soaked in a cinnamon vanilla egg mixture. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, these bites are cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer and served with optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
French Toast Bites
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- cooking spray or oil for greasing
Optional Toppings
- powdered sugar
- maple syrup
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature for the French toast bites.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Add the brioche or Texas toast cubes to the egg mixture and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the bread to soak for about 1 to 2 minutes, so they absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy.
- Grease Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a crispy exterior on the French toast bites.
- Air Fry in Batches: Place the soaked bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to brown all sides evenly.
- Serve Warm: Once golden brown and crisp on the outside, remove the French toast bites from the air fryer. Serve warm with your favorite optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries for added sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture as it absorbs the egg mixture better and holds up to air frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each bite cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- For extra crunchiness, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the bread cubes before air frying.
- These bites are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated briefly in the air fryer to restore crispness.
